NEDC Hosts Climate Change Summit

The summit in Gombe, comes in response to pressing issues such as desertification, land degradation, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and climate-induced displacement and conflicts.

According to the NEDC, these challenges are deeply interconnected and require coordinated efforts to protect the environment, strengthen community resilience, and promote sustainable development.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, Special Adviser on Special Duties, praised the commission for its proactive approach in addressing the urgent issue of climate change. He described the summit as a critical step in confronting the environmental crises that have hit the region, including the recent floods in Maiduguri that destroyed homes, businesses, and lives.

“This summit is a bold and much-needed initiative by the North East Development Commission. It represents a collective and effective response to the pressing global challenge of climate change,” said VP Shettima.

He further highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to global climate goals, referencing President Tinubu’s address at the COP28 conference in Dubai. Shettima emphasized that meeting international greenhouse gas reduction targets is only possible with widespread readiness for climate adaptation, adding that Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and National Climate Change Policy are key efforts in the country’s push towards a low-carbon economy by 2060.

Additionally, the vice president noted Nigeria’s involvement in the Great Green Wall initiative, aimed at combating desertification and restoring degraded lands. He also stressed that the country’s 2024 Flood Outlook underscores the need for continued preparation, even as recent floods have exceeded projections.

Major General Paul Tarfa (Retd.), Chairman of the NEDC Board, acknowledged the opportunities for innovation, sustainable development, and regional cooperation despite the climate-related challenges. He pointed to the North East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan as a comprehensive framework for addressing these issues. The summit, he said, serves as a call to action, focusing on building climate resilience, identifying policy gaps, and exploring innovative climate finance solutions.

Tarfa emphasized the importance of collaboration, urging participants to bring their unique insights to the discussions. He expressed optimism about the diverse expertise gathered for the event, including government officials, policy makers, climate experts, civil society organizations, and community leaders.

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, commended the NEDC for organizing the summit and called for greater financial commitment from stakeholders to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the region. Governor Yahaya also urged the NEDC to support local research efforts, such as the Centre for African Medicinal Plants Research at the North Eastern University in Gombe, to provide indigenous solutions to health and environmental challenges.

The summit marks a significant step in addressing climate change in Nigeria’s northeast region, bringing together experts to develop a comprehensive and sustainable path forward.